PART 1. THEORETICAL AND CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK: SECULARIZATION IN COMPARATIVE AND LONGITUDINAL PERSPECTIVE 1. Theoretical approaches to the effects of religion 2. Types of secularization 3. Levels of religiosity and secularization in comparative perspective PART 2. STATE, RELIGION AND REGULATION OF RELIGIOUS LIFE 4. Models of relationship between the State and the religious groups 5. Religion and state: historical perspectives 6. Historical evolution: from religious tolerance to religious freedom 7. Secularizing process: from religious freedom to freedom of thought, conscience and religion 8. Constitutional system and religion 9.Religion and human rights PART 3. POLITICAL EFFECTS OF RELIGIOSITY 10. Religion and public spaces 11. Religion and social movements 12. Religiosity and individual political behavior 13. Civil religion 14. De-secularization and public policy reform